Neubrügg

About the building

Between Bern's Neufeld quarter and the municipality of Kirchlindach, the Neubrügg crosses the Aare: a covered wooden bridge a little over 90 metres long with a tiled roof. It is considered the oldest surviving wooden bridge in the canton of Bern. The timberwork rests on four piers of tuff, nagelfluh conglomerate and, at the very top, sandstone; in the northern section the axis bends slightly. Boarded side walls protect the structure from rain and wind.

A first bridge replaced a ferry here in 1466, according to the German Wikipedia; the English version gives 1469. The present structure dates from 1534/35. Above the sandstone south portal there is a coloured coat of arms with the imperial eagle and two Bernese bears and the inscription "ANNO MDXXXV DOMINI", in the year of the Lord 1535. A similar coat of arms of heavily weathered wood hangs in the roof structure above the northern entrance. Behind the south portal the year 1718 is carved on a bracket, probably a sign of a renewal of the superstructure, and one pier bears the number 1862.

The old highway from Bern to Aarberg ran over the bridge, and until 1838 it was an important toll station. It lost its role as the main link when the Halenbrücke, about 800 metres downstream, was completed in 1913. The roadway is 4.6 metres wide, and the portal lets through vehicles up to 3.5 metres wide. Fir predominates in the timberwork, while oak was used for important load-bearing parts. The Neubrügg is a cultural property of national significance and is also listed as of national importance in the Inventory of Historical Traffic Routes in Switzerland.

While the Halenbrücke was being renewed in 1992/93, the Neubrügg was thoroughly examined, and it was repaired in 1995. In July 2025 the cantonal civil engineering office had to close it because several beams had been badly weakened by moisture and load. Since 29 August 2025 pedestrians and cyclists have again been able to use it along a narrow passage; as of August 2025, the full renovation was planned from 2027. A detail at the south portal: each of the two wing walls beside the gate has an embrasure set into it.

Researched and summarised by Bärn Kit. Sources: IVS Inventar historischer Verkehrswege der Schweiz: BE 29.4.1 Stuckishaus/Neubrück · Tiefbauamt des Kantons Bern: Sanierung Neubrücke, Information zur Wiedereröffnung (29. August 2025) · Wikipedia (de): Neubrügg · Wikipedia (en): Neubrügg · Wikidata: Q1688816